August 14, 2025 - Others Back to the Grind...

This week, sabbatical really begins as others are now returning to the office to ready their fall classes and attend convocation events for the University and College. I too went to the office to meet with my colleague that will teach geomorphology this fall and clarify the materials I am sharing for that class. On Monday, I will do my best to attend the department's fall retreat if I can find someone to come and let the dogs out in the middle of the day. There are a lot of things ongoing with a new hire to replace our sedimentary geologist who resigned/retired early to move to another state and be with family and as such there will be discussions about the directions of the department, which are important to be there for. 

I received my departmental feedback on my annual evaluation, comments were pleasant as expected and I forwarded that on to the Dean's office. 

I registered for IAG in Christchurch New Zealand and signed up for two field trips. Still waiting to hear about abstract acceptance, but since I already have a flight there and the travel approval I figured it was good to lock in the early bird discount. It was also a good reminder to renew my GSA membership (bonus for the IAG $300 discount with a Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology affiliation from GSA)! 

Still have not decided on SCEC 2025, with the loss of potential for applying to grants (Thanks DOGE), the increase in cost to attend, the uncertainty still around Tori's prognosis and whether further treatment will be needed, and the fact that I will pay it all out of pocket ($350 reg, $400 hotel, $200 Gas), plus the time needed to drive both ways... I am beginning to rethink it. Have to decide tomorrow (early registration deadline)! 

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